The West Stanley Burns Pit Disaster Exhibition, takes place in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Front Street, Stanley, today, from 10am to 6pm.

The display coincides with an exhibition about modern-day life in County Durham's former mining communities.

There are more than 50 photographs and other memorabilia, contemporary newspaper reports, stories about the disaster which have emerged during the campaign and a video about the disaster will be shown.

Admission is free, but there will be collection boxes for donations towards The Northern Echo's Stanley Pit Disaster Memorial Appeal.

Today at 1pm, there is a free concert by a Consett Brass Band ensemble.

At 2pm, there is a talk and slide show on the disaster by respected local historian Jack Hair, with music from folk artist Benny Graham as well as upcoming folk talent Dan Hands. Admission for the talk and concert is £1.

A limited edition computer CD containing images from Jack Hair's talk will be available for £4.99. Half of the proceeds from sales of the CD, produced by Mr Hair and the Stanley History Association, will go to campaign.

Funds raised by the exhibition and talk will go to the campaign. All participants, including Derwentside District Council which owns the arts centre, have given their services free.

To help in the campaign, call Chris Webber on (01642) 513346.